Lavender Fields of Provence

Provence is one word. Stunning.

I have long dreamed of spending a summer in Provence with it's lavender fields and picturesque scenery. Not to mention the clear blue skies, the smell of lavender wafting through the air, amazing food and friendly hospitality.

I basically dragged Mr Porter and his best friend to Sault to see the lavender fields, but once they were there, they loved it too. It's impossible to not like Provence.

It was surprisingly quiet when we were there (barely any tourists at all!) and we stopped for lunch in a small local restaurant that only served two main dishes (steak or monk fish with provincial vegetables) where the menu is given to you verbally at the table and you can get three courses for €12. Lucky our fellow traveller can speak French...NHG x

Outfit details: Forever 21 floral dress, River Island neon yellow belt, Chanel sunglasses.

Pink Sandro Dress

I bought this Sandro dress on eBay a few days before I left for holiday and doubted that I would receive it on time. But turned out the seller lived a few streets away from me and hand delivered it within 12 hours of me purchasing - how's that for a great transaction?  It was also a bargain at £35 and only worn once (original price £150).

These photos were taken from our hotel in Bandol in the South of France. Stunning weather and sandy beaches. Take me back now. NHG x

Outfit details: Sandro pink knitted cotton dress,  Zara bow flat, Turina neon necklace. Also wearing a permanent foot bandage - the hottest accessory when removing your tattoo.

NHG Travels: North England

As we thought we may return home to Melbourne this year (clearly never going to happen...) I thought we should see more of the UK as Mr Porter has basically been no where. Terrible, I know.

I have travelled extensively but hadn't been to either Manchester or Liverpool, and wanted to visit the Lake District again as it's one of my favourite spots. As has been the case all spring/summer, the weather was a big let down on this trip!

Where we stayed:
Lake District: Yew Tree Farm, once owned by Beatrix Potter in the 1930's and the farm used in the film, Miss Potter. The room we stayed in was quite small (small bed also) but had gorgeous views over the front of the farm. We were greeted by the owner's dogs who were full of love for Mr Porter and spend their days fighting over their territory with the farm Turkey, William (if you get a name at Yew Tree you are safe from the chopping block apparently).

Liverpool: Hope Street Hotel as found on Mr & Mrs Smith. I really liked this hotel, it features exposed brick walls, solid wooden floors and amazing views over the rooftops of Liverpool. It was really modern and bright with a HUGE bathroom that also took advantage of the view. Great value for money too.

Manchester: Velvet as found on Mr & Mrs Smith. Velvet feels like a moody boudoir with dark furnishings and exposed brick walls. I thought the bathroom let this hotel down (was bland in comparison to the bedroom) and it was expensive. I also really didn't like the area it was located in. Seedy clubs going until all hours and hen's parties everywhere. I wish I could erase some of the things I saw on my night in Manchester from my memory...if anything, it was humorous. 

Where we ate:
Lake District: I can't remember the names of the pubs we visited in the Lake District as they were not planned prior. I've never had a bad pub meal here and always get a traditional roast and Cumbrian sausages and mash. Delicious.

Liverpool: As we were in Liverpool on a Bank Holiday (and Monday) choice was slim on the restaurant front so we decided to go to the sister restaurant to our hotel, The London Carriage Works. This modern British restaurant is award-winning and we really enjoyed it.

Manchester: I'm a little embarrassed to say that we went to an 'Australian' (basically Asian fusion) restaurant in Manchester called Australasia. Although I'm not really sorry because the food was amazing, and I wish they'd open one in London. The restaurant (and bar) is full of people dressed to the nines and the interior is what I would call 'Modern Australian' - very white with an industrial twist. I should also note the bars in the Northern Quarter in Manchester are fab. We went to Socio Rehab where the cocktails are amazing (I couldn't decide so the mixologist made me my own).

What are your favourite places to visit in the UK? NHG x

NHG loves: A.P.C Trench Coat

I have been wearing my A.P.C trench basically every day this Spring/Summer. It has been one of the best purchases I've ever made, and has really cemented the idea of not buying too many "on-trend" pieces. I know when I buy my favourite French brands (Sandro being the ultimate) that I will wear them again and again and this coat has been no different. NHG x

Outfit details: A.P.C trench coat, Vintage dress from Paris, Topshop leather belt, Zara tan heels, Mulberry Bayswater in Oak.

Vestiaire Collective

I noticed a few bloggers writing about Vestiaire Collective a few weeks ago and in a way, I wish I'd never found out about it.

While eBay rarely has listings from my favourite French designers, Verstiaire Collection is practically bursting at the seams with amazing second hand pieces from the likes of Carven, Sandro, Maje, A.P.C, The Kooples, Claudie Pierlot, Sessun, The Swildens, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, See by Chloe and Isabel Marant Etoile.

Within the first 5 minutes of browsing the site, I'd found the bag that got away in Paris last September (the leopard print leather bag from Claudie Pierlot), and had added 12 items to my 'wish list'. I'm still trying to justify the bag, but I'm definitely planning to purchase key AW12 pieces using the site.

You can sign up in approximately 2 mins using Facebook Connect here.  Don't say I didn't warn you! NHG x